AT&T Investing Millions To Keep Global HQ In Downtown Dallas

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – AT&T is investing millions of dollars and partnering with the city of Dallas to execute a plan that would keep their global headquarters downtown. The plan is to create “AT&T Discovery” – a downtown urban-tech area, with greenspace, dining and shopping.

The money would be spent to renovate downtown building and outdoor areas to create a new gathering spot for downtown workers and hopefully boost local tourism.

There are more than 5,500 people who work in the four buildings that make up AT&T’s downtown complex at Akard and Commerce Streets.

Senior executive vice president and chief financial officer John Stephens said there’s a reason why the company is putting forth so much effort. “Downtown Dallas is our home. We want to stay and create a unique, inviting space not only for our employees but for all.”

In addition to the new AT&T Discovery District offering outdoor event space, retail locations, and free Wi-Fi, company officials say the new district would also mean hiring more employees.

As part of the renovation, AT&T is asking the city to revamp several surrounding streets. They say the changes would improve safety for pedestrians and improve the traffic flow.

While nothing has been set in stone, Mike Peterson, the AT&T regional vice president, said the company is very optimistic. “We’re still in discussions with the City and DART and Downtown Dallas Inc. But we do hope that we’ll have a plan in place that will allow us to move as quickly as next year,” he said.

No word on what the new AT&T Discovery District will cost, but company official said that they invested more than $100 million to renovate the inside and outside of its headquarters in less than a decade and they to continue making “significant” investments.